Jets 'Rolling The Dice' Key Reason For 2025 Optimism

The New York Jets' signing of Justin Fields in free agency was seen by many as a dice roll from head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.

But it was one worth taking, given the current lay of the land for the Jets, with Glenn having to come in and clean up the mess left by the previous administration. That meant looking for players who can help bring his vision to life, but also ones that fit his player type, both on and off the field.

That led them to Fields, who, by all accounts this offseason, has been doing all the right things as he looks to reignite his career in the Big Apple.

For CBS Sports, Fields' latest chance at being a starting quarterback in the league is cause for optimism.

"Over the last few years, we've seen some once highly touted quarterbacks have late career blooms like Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith, and, more recently, Sam Darnold," CBS Sports writes. "For the Jets, they're rolling the dice on Justin Fields potentially being the latest edition of that trend, inking the former Steelers quarterback to a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency.

"Last season, Fields was 4-2 as the starter for Pittsburgh, and the offense averaged 20.7 points per game. Given his relationship with former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson, there is reason to suggest that Fields could be even more productive during his tenure with New York."

Is Fields on his last chance to prove he is a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL? Probably, and he has some nice tools to help him navigate what many think will be a tough season for the Jets.

A good offensive line, a trio of good running backs headlined by Breece Hall, along with Garrett Wilson as his go-to weapon, there is enough to think Fields will be able to make it work in 2025.

But the big question is, can he? There have been flashes of his talent through his four years in the league, but nothing consistent.

Will that change under Glenn and Engstrand? His starting NFL future might depend on that it does.